After impressive careers wearing purple and gold, corner back Taurean Allen and defensive end Chima Ihekwoaba will be continuing their football careers in new colours, as both were selected in the second round of Sunday’s CFL draft. Allen was selected 13th overall by the Calgary Stampeders, with Ihekwoaba being taken just minutes later, 14th overall, by the Montreal Alouettes.

Allen departs Laurier considered by many to one of the most talented defensive backs to ever play for the Golden Hawks. The Communication Studies major is a three-time all-star at the provincial level (2007, 08, 09), and also earned second-team All-Canadian honours in 2007.

Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Ihekwoaba was still one of the most intriguing prospects of this year’s CFL draft class, and scouts took notice both north and south of the border. In addition to being drafted by the Alouettes, Ihekwoaba was also signed as an undrafted free agent by the NFL’s Detroit Lions. Ihekwoaba will attend Detroit’s training camp and attempt to become just the 26th Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) football player to crack an NFL roster.